Noobie..Helmet Suggestions and Backpack Please

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Hello everyone,

I got a new bike this weekend. A few of my cousins and myself hit up Wissahickon Park in Philadelphia, PA; only like 10 minutes across the bridge from us in Jersey . I thought it was going to be easy mode and I was mistaken. I was dying trying to get up those hills and trying to keep up with them In all I really had a good time and I see myself becoming addicted fast but first I need to get my endurance up.


Anyways on to my point. When I got my bike I didn’t get a helmet because I was running short on cash. But after going down the bike trails and running over all those huge rocks I realized how important it really was.

Can you guys suggest a descent helmet for someone that’s going to be just going casually on the weekends?
Also can you suggest a good camelback?



I got everything from a Local Bike shop that just opened. I think i got a good deal.
2006 Jamis Durango $362.00
Trunk Mount 2 Bike rack $75.00 Dont know the brand

Helmet Info: http://www.bhsi.org/helmet07.htm

Camelback Info:
You can shell out more money for an original "Camelback", or buy cheaper generic brand hydration packs. I've had both, and there is not much difference. For me, 2 liters (appx 70 oz) is good for about 3 hours in the hot Summer sun - go larger if you plan on more riding time than that. Consider how much tool/accessory storage you will actually need. Compare packs at different internet stores here: http://www.qbike.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?ord=p&st=hydration+pack
Nashbar is having a sale on hydration packs right now: http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?subcategory=1088&category=125&browse=&storetype=&estoreid=&brand=&searchbox=&start=1&orderby=price1&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Hydration%20Systems
This also seems like a great deal: http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23437&subcategory_ID=4340

Having destroyed two helmets in the last 5 weeks, I can say from experience that you have made a good choice.

If it hadn't been my helmet, it would have been my skull that was dented. :rolleyes: